Ready to book an Amsterdam to Brussels train trip? Let this guide make the process smooth, easy and maximally fulfilling! Because trains make ‘getting there’ part of the fun!

Overview of train services

Eurostar

Eurostar is a London-based high-speed train operator offering fast, modern, comfortable trains with direct train service to destinations all over Europe. It is most-known for its transcontinental routes that connect the UK and Europe via a tunnel under the English Channel. Eurostar’s beautiful trains offer free Wi-fi, power outlets at every seat and three classes of service to choose from. Add dining and drink service and you have all the modern comforts expected by discerning passengers.

Thalys

Until fully rebranded as Eurostar, some trains along the route may still be nominally operated by Thalys, which merged with Eurostar in October 2023. The Belgian train operator fully gave way to the new Eurostar Group brand in November 2023. The only trace of Thalys today is the maroon-red colored trains that pass through some of the busiest stations in Europe.

The Eurostar/Thalys merger

The merger between Eurostar and Thalys was announced in 2019. Despite delays due to COVID, the merger became official in October 2023 under a new Belgian company The Eurostar Group. The Thalys brand was phased out in favor of the Eurostar group in November 2024 alongside a rollout of new classes of service.

Frequency of service

Trains on this route depart every 4 minutes, with an average of 85 trains running daily from Amsterdam to Brussels.

Benefits of travelling by train from Amsterdam to Brussels

There are many benefits for making the journey by train from Amsterdam to Brussels rather than flying or driving:

• No complicated airport check-in or car-rental/return process.

• Train stations tend to be in the centre of the city, whereas airports tend to be farther away. For this journey between Amsterdam to Brussels by train, you will take off from Amsterdam Centraal, located right in the heart of the city, to Brussels Midi/Zuid, also located near the hustle-bustle; more specifically, the just to the south of Brussels’ city centre. So you can arrive and step right into the fun!

• High-speed trains are more comfortable, with more freedom to move around and more amenities.

• For a journey as short as the journey from Amsterdam to Brussels, the travel time is comparable, even less, by train than by plane due to reduced transit and check-in time.

• Booking last-minute plane tickets from Amsterdam to Brussels can be astronomically expensive, whereas train tickets are much more affordable and more readily available.

Schedule details

Quickest journey time and total distance

A fast train from Amsterdam to Brussels will complete the journey in roughly 1 hour and 34 minutes. The total train distance from Amsterdam to Brussels is roughly 176 kilometres.

Earliest and latest departure times

The first train from Amsterdam to Brussels departs on weekdays at approximately 06:08. The last weekday train departs at approximately 21:28. On weekends the first train from Amsterdam to Brussels departs at approximately 06:10. The last weekend train departs at approximately 21:28.

Average number of daily trains

An average of 85 trains trains make the journey from Amsterdam to Brussels every day.

Ticket information

Ticket prices

The train fare from Amsterdam to Brussels depends on the popularity of the itinerary, as well as seasonality and advanced notice. Our current estimates of the Amsterdam to Brussels train cost under a variety of circumstances are:

• Cheapest ticket on the route: €21.08

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: €26

• Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: €31

Importance of booking in advance

While it’s easier to book an Amsterdam to Brussels train at the last minute than it is to book a plane at the last minute, there are distinct advantages to booking your Amsterdam to Brussels train journey in advance. You will have access to:

• Cheaper train fare

• More seat selection

• More options for fare class

Ideally you should book your journey at least seven days in advance — or better yet, 30 days in advance.

How to set up booking alerts with Rail Europe

If you search far in advance and your search returns no results, the train operator may not have released the seats yet. Here’s how to set up a booking alert with Rail Europe so you get notified when seats become available:

• Click “Alert me when booking becomes available” on the search page that returned no results.

• Enter your email address.

• If you want to manage your booking alert, create an account with Rail Europe under the same email address.

• You will get email notifications for when new seats become available. If the released seats do not fit your criteria, you can reset the booking alert.

Amsterdam Centraal

Built atop 8,600 wooden pillars sunk deep into the bottom of the Amstel River, Amsterdam Centraal Train Station sits on an artificial island. 75 million passengers pass every year through this modern train station built over the water.

Facilities and services

• Comfortable waiting areas

• Charging ports

• Free stationwide wifi

• Food court with cafes, restaurants and fast food

• Storage lockers and luggage minding

• Automated ticket machines

• Ticket counters

• Information counters

• Car rental stations

• ATMs and currency exchanges

• Boutique shopping centers

• Accessibility assistance

Brussels Midi/Zuid

Renovated repeatedly since its opening in 1869, Brussels Midi/Zuid Train Station is now a functional, modern train station serving roughly 20 million passengers every year.

Facilities and services

• Comfortable waiting areas

• Charging ports

• Free stationwide wifi

• Food court with cafes, restaurants and fast food

• Storage lockers and luggage minding

• Automated ticket machines

• Ticket counters

• Information counters

• Car rental stations

• ATMs and currency exchanges

• Boutique shopping centers

• Accessibility assistance

Travelling with Eurostar: boarding process

Steps for security and boarding

Boarding a Eurostar train from Amsterdam to Brussels involves several relatively simple steps:

• Luggage scan

• Metal detector check

• Ticket check and possible ID check

• Possible luggage search

Tips for navigating the stations and boarding

Try to arrive 45-60 minutes early to Amsterdam Centraal. Use the electronic departure boards or listen for intercom announcements to find your train. Eurostar trains from Amsterdam to Brussels usually leave from Platform 15b.

Classes of service aboard a Amsterdam to Brussels train

Whether you're headed to Paris, Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Cologne or one the seasonal destinations in France that Eurostar serves, your experience will be streamlined.

Eurostar Standard (formerly known simply as Standard)

Eurostar Standard class remains the most budget-friendly option, but don't let the price tag fool you—comfort and flexibility are still top priorities. Eurostar Standard includes:

• 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm + 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

• Drinks and food available for purchase onboard at the Eurostar Café

You can exchange your Eurostar Standard ticket at no extra charge up until 1 hour before departure, only needing to pay the fare difference if applicable. Refunds are allowed up to 7 days before the scheduled departure for a €25 fee. After this period, tickets are non-refundable.

Eurostar Plus (formerly known as Standard Premier/Comfort)

For a more elevated experience, Eurostar Plus offers all the amenities of Eurostar Standard with additional perks like more spacious seats and a light meal served at your seat. Benefits include:

• 2 pieces of luggage up to 85cm + 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• A light meal served directly to your seat

• Drinks and food available for purchase onboard at the Eurostar Café

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

As with Eurostar Standard, Eurostar Plus tickets can be exchanged at no extra cost up to 1 hour before departure, with any fare difference applicable. Refunds are allowed up to 7 days before the scheduled departure for a €25 fee. After this period, tickets are non-refundable.

Eurostar Premier (Formerly known as Business Premier/Premium)

This class of service includes more luxe service and amenities; you’ll get access to exclusive lounges, enjoy seat-side service, ensuring a an elevated train journey, start to finish:

• Get on the fast-track to ticket gates and Business Premier Lounges at available locations

• Bring up to three pieces of luggage (up to 85cm) plus 1 hand luggage with no weight limit

• Enjoy a three-course meal brought straight to your seat, designed by Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Any dietary restrictions can be accommodated with 48-hour advance notice

• Spacious seating

• Free wine, champagne and hot and cold beverages

• Free newspapers and magazines

• Free Wi-Fi

• UK + EU plug sockets

• Kids four and under travel free (if seated on an adult’s lap)

All passengers can exchange or refund their Eurostar Premier tickets up until two days after the departure date of the ticket purchase. With ticket exchanges, you only pay the fare difference, if applicable.

🚆 More details about travelling with Eurostar

Luggage on Eurostar trains

All travellers can bring two pieces of luggage (the largest dimensions are: 75 x 53 x 30 cm) and a single piece of hand luggage. Any extra luggage will incur a fee of €30. There is no weight limit for luggage aboard Eurostar trains from Amsterdam to Brussels – you just have to be able to carry your luggage by yourself. There are also fewer limitations to what you can bring on board compared to air travel. For example, you can bring certain liquids aboard.

Travel documentation and customs requirements

Necessary travel documents

Both the Netherlands and Belgium are part of the Schengen Area, which allows for “borderless” travel between participating countries. As such, no special immigration or passport control process is needed to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels by train. Just bring your ticket and your photo ID (passport or other valid ID) and your Schengen visa if you need one.

Customs process

No extra customs check or declaration is necessary when travelling from one country in the Schengen Zone to another. Only the standard procedures for transporting materials like alcohol, tobacco or cash need to be observed. Station agents may perform random luggage checks.